Ghana’s hopes of reaching the final of the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations were dashed after a heartbreaking 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to host nation Morocco in a tense semifinal clash at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
The match, which drew thousands of passionate fans, lived up to expectations as both sides battled fiercely for a place in the final against Nigeria. Ghana started brightly, taking the lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, whose composed finish stunned the home crowd and gave the Black Queens early control of the game.
Morocco, spurred on by the electric atmosphere, found an equalizer in the 55th minute thanks to Sakina Ouzraoui Diki, who tapped in from the far post after sustained pressure from the Atlas Lionesses.
The rest of the game saw a physical contest dominated by midfield duels and several injury stoppages, but neither side could break the deadlock. In extra time, both teams created chances but failed to convert, sending the match to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Morocco kept their composure, with Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all scoring from the spot. Ghana, however, faltered, Evelyn Badu missed her kick, and Comfort Yeboah’s effort was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, who emerged as the hero of the night.
With the win, Morocco advance to the final to face Nigeria on Saturday, July 26, 2025, while Ghana will battle South Africa in the third-place